HALLS GAP police have issued a warning to visitors after rescuing two injured hikers in the Grampians in less than a week.
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Senior Constable Kellie Harris said police, State Emergency Services volunteers and Ambulance Victoria paramedics rescued a 23-year-old female on Wednesday.
The South Australian hiker slipped near the top of the Pinnacle walk about 5.30pm.
Sen Const Harris said the woman suffered a compound fracture to her leg and was conveyed from the site to Ballarat Base Hospital for surgery.
She said the rescue took about three and a half hours, with the hiker and her friends subject to the elements.
The rescue is the second in five days, after a 42-year-old Ballarat woman was rescued Saturday after losing her footing on the Pinnacle trail.
She was treated for a suspected broken ankle.
The second rescue prompted police to issue a warning to hikers.
“We’re asking tourists and hikers in the Grampians to wear appropriate shoes, clothing and to have food and water supplies,” Sen Const Harris said.
“Be aware of the elements and terrain.
“One of the problems we had last night was the woman was in a walking party of seven.
“Four remained with the patient for a couple of hours while we attended but they weren’t dressed properly and were quite cold by the time we located them.”
Sen Const Harris said both incidents were caused by slipping on the terrain.
“We’re asking people to take care and be aware of the elements this time of year,” she said.
“If you’re hiking in the Grampians, paths are wet and slippery especially rocks.”
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
